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Press Release

ֱ APL’s Innovative Research Facility Celebrated on the Global Stage

The ֱ Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) in Laurel, Maryland, received global recognition as a finalist for Lab of the Year by the  for one of its newest state-of-the-art research and development centers: Building 201.

Building 201 is a 263,000-square-foot facility featuring 90,000 square feet of lab space; adaptive individual, huddle and conference-style workspaces; a STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) center; a 200-person auditorium; and outdoor space for staff members. The research facility was conceptualized as an environment for innovation and cross collaboration, with glass walls and a four-story atrium allowing natural light to pour in. Most of the building’s 650 resident staff members are part of APL’s Research and Exploratory Development Department (REDD).

“This facility continues to garner impressive recognition, and to be a finalist for this award on the global stage is an honor,” said Jim Schatz, the head of REDD. “Just like the work happening inside this space, the design and execution of Building 201 was forward thinking. This space enables our staff members to tackle the nation’s future challenges.”

For nearly six decades, SEFA’s Lab of the Year award has recognized facilities around the world for their innovative laboratory design and excellence. Submissions are judged on overall impression, design, sustainability, health and safety, support of collaboration and celebration of science, among other benchmarks. SEFA describes recipients of this award as the “gold standard” for lab design and execution.

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The architecture and atmosphere of Building 201, which opened in 2021, reflect APL’s innovative research initiatives and collaborative focus. From materials research to quantum computing and beyond, workspaces and labs inside the building support some of APL’s most cutting-edge research and development projects.

APL’s in-house team from the Business, Construction and Facilities Department (BCFD) worked alongside architects from CannonDesign to conceptualize and design Building 201. BCFD also worked with Turner Construction, AECOM (Architecture, Engineering, Construction, Operations and Management) and WJE Associates to realize the full scope of design and coordination necessary for completing the expansive facility.

“This innovative facility was made possible through the efforts of the entire team involved in planning, design and construction,” said Jimmy Patel, chief of planning, design and construction for facilities at APL. “The Lab’s unwavering commitment to excellence resulted in a space that will serve as the foundation for groundbreaking APL research for years to come.”

SEFA announced its Lab of the Year winner and runner-up on Oct. 31 at the association’s annual meeting in La Jolla, California. Building 201 previously received the 2023 Excellence in Design Award from the .